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has been a significant change to justify a re-count of the intersection. Counting pedestrians is <br />more difficult because they actually have to have people out at the intersection actually counting <br />the pedestrian traffic. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig inquired as to what the procedure was as they move forward with the project. <br /> <br />Mr. Engstrom stated that usually when a project is going to be done municipality approval is <br />needed, but in some instances that is not the case especially in safety situations. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski noted that MnDOT has told him that their consent is not needed. <br /> <br />Mr. Engstrom replied that they always try and hear the concerns of the community before they <br />move forward with any project, but the reality is that when intersections are signalized and an area <br />is provided for pedestrians to cross that is where most pedestrian accidents happen because of <br />turning vehicles. He stated that if pedestrian crossing is a concern one option may be to consider <br />a pedestrian tunnel. He noted that there are grants available to assist with the pedestrian <br />crossings. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig stated that he was against cutting off the businesses from some sort of access. <br />He was very concerned about the businesses that come to the community and pay taxes and <br />provide services and than closing off their access. He stated that he would like to be as <br />aggressive as possible with a re-route of TH 47 through Anoka. On the other hand he was <br />against the full signalization because he thinks frustration with the delays in the area has created <br />some of the existing problems already. In regards to the pedestrian crossing he thought that was <br />something they should discuss further. He suggested researching the feasibility of a pedestrian <br />stoplight similar to the one in Anoka. In addition he thought that they should be taking into <br />consideration the improvements that are going to take place on CSAH 5 in making their decision <br />about what to do with TH 47 and 142nd Avenue. Personally he thought he could agree with the <br />3/4th median because it would eliminate the most dangerous turn in the intersection, but still allow <br />access for the local businesses. <br /> <br />Mr. Hienrichs replied that biggest problem with the area is that none of the people can get out of <br />the commercial areas and get back to Anoka High School without making a u-turn at 142nd <br />Avenue and with the 3/4th median that option will be cut off as well. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated that he agreed with Chairperson Elvig. Personally he thought the <br />safest option would be to close the intersection entirely, but a good compromise for the <br />community is the 3/4th median with the improvements at CSAH 5. As it relates to the pedestrian <br />issues that is something they need to discuss further. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler suggested that the issue of a pedestrian crossing be <br />addressed at a future meeting. <br /> <br />Assistant Director of Public Works Olson inquired as to what Chairperson Elvig was referring to <br />with pedestrian signalization. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee/January 18, 2005 <br /> Page 8 of 27 <br /> <br /> <br />